CVE-2016-7820 in TS-WRLP
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in I-O DATA DEVICE TS-WRLP firmware version 1.01.02 and earlier and TS-WRLA firmware version 1.01.02 and earlier allows an attacker with administrator rights to cause a denial-of-service (DoS) or execute arbitrary code via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/26/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-7820 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw affecting firmware versions 1.01.02 and earlier of I-O DATA DEVICE TS-WRLP and TS-WRLA wireless access point models. This security weakness resides within the embedded firmware components that govern the device's network operations and administrative functions. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it can be exploited by attackers who have already gained administrative privileges, potentially transforming a legitimate administrative session into a vector for more severe compromise. The buffer overflow occurs when the firmware processes input data without proper bounds checking, allowing maliciously crafted data to overwrite adjacent memory locations. This flaw manifests in the device's handling of network packets or configuration parameters, where insufficient validation permits data to exceed allocated buffer boundaries. The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient boundary checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory blocks. The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial-of-service scenarios, as it can enable arbitrary code execution within the device's memory space, potentially allowing attackers to escalate privileges or install persistent backdoors. The device's network infrastructure role makes this particularly dangerous, as compromised access points can serve as entry points for broader network infiltration. The attack surface is significantly expanded when considering that administrators may unknowingly interact with malicious network traffic or configuration data, providing the attacker with the necessary conditions to trigger the buffer overflow. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of firmware security in network infrastructure devices, as the compromise of even a single access point can provide attackers with persistent network access and potential lateral movement capabilities. The issue also reflects broader concerns in the Internet of Things and industrial control systems where firmware updates may be infrequent or neglected, leaving devices vulnerable to exploitation. Organizations should consider implementing network segmentation and monitoring for unusual access patterns from wireless access points. The vulnerability's presence in multiple firmware versions indicates a systemic issue in the development lifecycle, suggesting inadequate security testing and code review practices. Mitigation strategies should include immediate firmware updates to patched versions, network monitoring for suspicious activity, and implementing least privilege access controls for administrative functions. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under privilege escalation and persistence techniques, as it allows attackers to gain elevated system privileges and maintain access to the compromised network infrastructure. Security professionals should also consider implementing network access controls and regular vulnerability assessments to identify similar weaknesses in other network infrastructure devices. The vulnerability highlights the need for comprehensive firmware security practices including secure coding standards, regular security testing, and timely patch management procedures.